Nevi, lentigines, and melanomas in blacks.

Two hundred fifty-one black patients were examined for the presence of melanocytic nevi. The average number detected was 8.3 per patient. Light-skinned blacks had a greater number of total body nevi, while dark-skinned blacks had more lesions on the palms and soles. The usual histologic pattern seen in plantar-palmar lesions was that of lentigo simplex. The differentiation of lentigines of the palms and soles from early expression of acral lentiginous melanomas may be difficult; however, most acral pigmented lesions do not require excision.